Who among us is ready to go to heaven? All of us who believe that there is life after death may say, "yes I am ready". But, if we are to be asked are we ready to give up our material possessions to gain entry to heaven?, we may answer it differently or not answer the question at all.
What good must I do to to gain eternal life? asked the rich young man to Jesus. Jesus answered him, "if you wish to enter into eternal life, keep the commandments". The rich young man replied, " all of them I have observed. What do I still lack?" "If you wish to be perfect, go sell your properties and give to the poor."
Jesus is trying to tell us that to be perfect is to free ourselves from the cares of the material world. That is to detach ourselves from material possesions and focus our efforts and energies to the things in heaven. It is not enough that we keep the commandments, we need to share our resources to the poor.
The rich young man was sad when he heard the response of Jesus because he has a lot of properties. No wonder Jesus said, "it is easier for a camel to enter into the hole of needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
